Want to visit Florence with the least amount of money? Then follow this Top 10 free tours, museums and activities to do that I created so you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
While in Florence, there are many activities you can do to discover the city for free. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled and keep an eye out for all the free tours and other tourist attractions.
To make it easier for you, I’ve listed the top 10 free activities you can do during your stay in the City of the Lily.
Table des matières
Top free tours in Florence: Ponte Vecchio
The most famous bridge in Florence is also one of the best free activities you can do during your stay in the City of the Lily.
Not only will you enjoy some of the most romantic views of the city, but it is perhaps the best place to learn all about the secrets of Florence’s history.
Don’t forget to watch your pockets when you pass over the famous bridge, this very touristy site is popular with thieves and other pickpockets. It is notably known for having sheltered all kinds of businesses.
Once a favorite district for butchers, where they sold their meat by the slice, you can now admire the most expensive jewelry in town.
Of course, you can indulge yourself in the stores, but you can also simply walk around and discover the history of the city of arts for free.
Visit Piazzale Michelangelo
To enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city, nothing beats the impressive Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Esplanade).
Not only is it the perfect place to share a special moment with your loved one, have a glass or two of delicious Italian wine, and listen to the music played by local bands that perform free of charge throughout the square.
Sit for a few moments on the steps and watch the Arno River beautifully lit up by the sunset or visit the esplanade in the afternoon when the tourists are scarce, and you’ll enjoy a tranquil overview of Florence.
It’s simply the best way to see the city for free.
Visit San Miniato al Monte in Florence for free
Entrance to the small church on the right side of Piazzale Michelangelo is free, enter if you’re willing to climb the steps to the top.
Not only is it an architectural gem that is definitely worth a visit, but it is also a monastery where you can see the monks at work.
If you want to support them, consider buying their products, note that it is absolutely not necessary to attend a religious service to enjoy the spectacular view of the city.
You can even visit the site at night to admire the lights of the city and experience an extraordinary moment out of time without spending a euro.
Piazza della Signoria
One of the most famous piazzas in Florence, with an exceptional view.
You’ll want to stroll around the Palazzo Vecchio and then enter to admire the incredible collection of sculptures housed in the nearby arcades.
Not only is it a great place to sit and watch people go by, but you can also find a number of restaurants and stores to have lunch or give in to a craving for gelato.
It’s also a place rich in history – it was here that Jerome Savonarola was burned for heresy, and you can admire the fountains, one of which depicts Cosimo de’ Medici as Neptune on his horse watching the square.
Visit the Duomo of Santa Maria Cathedral for free
Few people know that they can enter the Duomo (the famous Dome of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore) in Florence for free.
While you may have to buy tickets to get into other historical and tourist sites (especially if you want to climb to the top of the campanile or the dome itself, you’ll inevitably have to go to the ticket office), you can enter and visit the cathedral for free.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of Renaissance architecture in all its splendor.
Don’t forget to take your guidebook in your pocket to learn more about Vasari’s frescoes that decorate the majestic dome and discover the unique history of the building.
Inside, you will be allowed to take pictures of the frescoes and architecture, which is not allowed in the vast majority of churches in Italy.
Visit the museums of Florence for free: Palazzo Strozzi
The incredible Palazzo Strozzi recently opened the doors of its contemporary art museum to visitors for free.
If you’re looking for an idea for a romantic outing without spending too much money, consider coming to the palace on a Thursday night for a wonderful romantic evening.
The Strozzi has some very interesting works on display and new exhibitions throughout the year, but the area devoted to contemporary art is really one of the most fun parts of the museum.
Located downtown and close to all the restaurants and hotels, you’ll have no trouble getting there for an evening you won’t soon forget.
Enjoy a free walking tour of Florence
What better way to discover Florence than to walk the cobblestone streets and learn something new about the city at every corner?
Florence’s free walking tours offer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the city like never before.
The guides are all volunteers – which means they truly love Florence, so much so that they are willing to go unpaid in order to share their love of the city of the arts with visitors from all over the world.
These tours are scheduled several times a week, so if you’re planning to stay in Florence for a few days, consider asking about the schedule.
A walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know a city, and when it’s free it’s even better.
Relax at the Parco delle Cascine
Located just outside of the city center, this is a great place to relax where you can sit back and enjoy nature in all its simplicity.
The Cascine Park is one of the best green spaces to get away from the often crowded cobblestone streets and enjoy the trees and the beauty of nature.
There are small stalls if you want to buy drinks and it’s also a wonderful park to go running or cycling. There are also activities for children if you are traveling with your family.
Entrance to the park is totally free and you can walk several miles before you have covered all the paths.
It’s also a great place to find little souvenirs to take home for your family or friends.
Visit the Mercato Centrale
Open to all, the Mercato Centrale (Central Market of Florence) offers gifts and souvenirs perfect for anyone who wants to take something home to their loved ones or just wants to be curious.
At the market, you’ll find all sorts of delicious local foods, so feel free to try them during your stay or take some home to share with your loved ones.
It’s also a great way to see what a market is like in Italy and to get a good sense of the importance of gastronomy in the culture of the region.
You will be able to buy a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as different types of meats.
Also, be sure to get close to the stalls selling the most important staple of Tuscan cuisine, olive oil.
Admission to the market is of course free, so feel free to take a look if you’re curious, but you can also treat your taste buds to this excursion, as many stalls offer free samples to passersby.
Sunbathe on the Spiaggia Sull’arno
Located on the bank of the Arno River, you can even enjoy a small beach where you can sunbathe and bubble in the sun.
Don’t forget to take your towel and sun cream, you will be ready to enjoy a delicious moment on the sand and have unforgettable vacation memories.
If you are feeling peckish or want a cold drink, you will find everything you need on site.
Of course, the beach is completely free to lie under the Tuscan sun.
During the long summer evenings, Italians like to play soccer. Try to get there early enough, as it is a very popular and often crowded area.
To conclude this article, I can tell you that Florence is a magical city where there is a multitude of monuments to see for free, even for visitors who have a very small budget and are looking for free activities and things to do.
Feel free to leave me a comment if you have more and don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends if you liked it! Enjoy your stay in Florence!
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